Joyce Ann "Tissel" Esham

Joyce Ann (Tissel) Esham, 67, of East New Market, left her loving family to be with the Lord, on Friday, February 6, 2026, after a short, but hard-fought battle with cancer. She was born on June 8, 1958 to Doris Mills Jarrett and James Jarrett.

Tissel grew up and spent much of her life living in Madison, surrounded by family. A graduate of Cambridge High School, Class of 1976, Tissel spent many years as a travel agent, working at several Cambridge travel agencies. In the latter part of her career, she spent decades working as a professional cook for various area restaurants and delis.

Tissel was known for her talent and love of cooking, her elaborate Thanksgiving dinners,Christmas breakfasts and delectable desserts that she’d bake for holidays and family birthdays. Her faith and her family were the two most important things in Tissel’s life and she looked forward to any occasion when her family could be together. In 1987, Tissel assumed the most cherished role of her life – a mother – when her only daughter, Bree, was born. In 2011, Tissel became a MomMom to her only grandson, Riley, who made her heart beam with pride. One of her favorite pastimes was watching Riley play soccer, with the Caroline County Youth Soccer Association and then the North Dorchester Eagles. For the past 30 years, Tissel shared her life with her husband, partner and the love of her life, Bryan, who she married on Friday, December13, 2007. They had a special relationship and together, they enjoyed many hobbies –gardening, fishing, spending time outside, in their beautifully designed backyard, and spending time with their daughter, grandson and families, whenever possible.

Tissel is survived by her husband, Bryan Esham; her daughter and the joy of her life, Bree Hurley, and son-in-law, Jason; grandson, Riley Hurley; sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Barry Wingate; sister, Jean Vickers; nieces, Christina Wingate-Spence (Matt) and Heather Vickers Robbins, with whom she shared a very special bond; great nephew, Dixon Spence; brother and sister-in-law, Vernon Lee and Dottie Esham and their sons, Bradley and Brent Esham; many cousins; and her beloved dog, Max. She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law Paul and Jean Esham; an infant baby sister, who was born asleep on January 23, 1960; Anna Mae Wingate, who was like a second mother to her; aunts, Adith Frazier; Rebecca (Becky) Parks; and E. Virginia (Ginny) Wheatley and several special cousins.

Tissel’s family wishes to thank the phenomenal ICU staff at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton, especially Kayla, Brittany, Megan and Michael; 2 East staff members Gary, Caitlyn, Laura, Rachel, Mi’Yae and Helena; and the staff at Talbot Hospice, specifically nurse Becky and the amazing Hospice caregivers, all of whom provided Tissel with such compassionate, high quality care during her final three weeks.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Faith Baptist Fellowship, 1312 Race Street, Cambridge, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Randall Blackmon officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be mailed to Talbot Hospice, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601. Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.